Pierre Bardinon was among the most prominent Ferrari collectors in the world, and the château adjacent to the circuit became home to one of the most significant private Ferrari collections ever assembled — more than forty examples spanning works racing cars, prototype sports-racers, and important road models. Unlike purpose-built circuits of the post-war era, Mas du Clos was designed to follow the natural topography of the land, producing a highly technical and undulating layout without the artificial geometry common to contemporary racing venues. The circuit's primary purpose was to provide a private space in which Bardinon could drive and test his collection, and it attracted visits from internationally known racing drivers by personal invitation.
The circuit operated in this capacity from 1963 onwards. Elevation changes are significant throughout, and several corners are blind or nearly so, giving the track a character that rewards local knowledge. The surface has historically been narrower than international competition tracks, but the combination of gradient and terrain made it considered one of the most engaging private circuits in France.
Following Pierre Bardinon's death, ownership of the circuit passed to his son Patrick Bardinon, who also inherited the château and its Ferrari collection. Patrick opened the facility to private events, track days, and club activities, broadening its use beyond purely private testing.
The circuit subsequently passed to Alexandre Bardinon, Pierre's grandson and a racing driver, who currently owns and operates it. In 2010 the site became the base of the modern and historic racing team Mas du Clos Racing (MCR), giving the circuit an active competitive identity for the first time.
The circuit closed around 2010 for safety upgrades and infrastructure renovation. Following more than a decade of dormancy, it was fully renovated and officially reopened in October 2022, returning to service as a track-day venue and the operational base of Mas du Clos Racing. The reopening drew renewed attention from the historic motorsport community, as the track had become something of a legend in French motorsport circles over the intervening years.
The château at Mas du Clos houses Pierre Bardinon's Ferrari collection in climate-controlled facilities alongside the family residence. The combination of a private racing circuit, the château, and the collection on one estate gave the Mas du Clos a character entirely unlike commercial motorsport venues — closer in spirit to a private museum with a driveable test track attached.
The circuit has a long-standing presence in Assetto Corsa. The mod created by jim lloyd under the title Circuit Mas du Clos was first released on the OverTake.gg platform in April 2016 and has been updated thirteen times, reaching version 1.3 in May 2020. With 135 reviews and a rating of 4.90 out of 5 on OverTake.gg, it is one of the most highly rated privately-owned-venue mods in Assetto Corsa. The mod includes both the full circuit and the short loop layout, with AI lines, dynamic groove, and seasonal adjustments available via Shaders Patch. Its quality helped introduce the Mas du Clos to sim-racing audiences largely unfamiliar with the venue's French motorsport context.
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